25 reviews
There are many feel good Christmas movies that appear only around that time of year, and this is one of them. It does have problems, if you're looking at it from a potential academy award winner. Look past that and just watch it as something to make you happy at Christmas and you might enjoy it.
If you can make it through the first 45" of whining, you should be ok. It does get revisited towards the end, but resolves shortly. The adult relationship has some merit, and the boy is wonderful. A truly despicable character tends to be almost clownlike, the father seems emotionless, fake tears and all. Sally Struthers is absolutely perfect in her part. The quotas are all met, of course. Where would we be without the quotas? I'm not sure why I continued down this massively flawed movie, but I did to the finish. When there is a character as unlikeable as the heroine, it is masterful to like her at the end.
When I write a review for a movie, I take into consideration much more than just the storyline. There are so many factors in this movie that just make it plain bad. Let's start with the acting.
Most of the acting in this movie is just bad. The only one who shows any promise is, the male MC. Sometimes an actor's ability to pull off what I would call quality acting is affected by the script itself, and this one is terrible. The dialogue is ridiculous and I don't even know how the actors can state their lines without laughing.
The formula here is the same old tired stuff that one can grow easily sick of. Just once I would like to see the guy whose behavior is so horrible towards his girlfriend, die a slow and agonizingly painful death. Yeah, that would work for me. Then she goes home to mommy and daddy to grieve where she meets the handsome town hunk.
One thing we didn't see here, unless I completely missed it, was the interrupted kiss. Yes, there's always a scene where they're moving in for that kiss and somebody walks in. How stupid. Just once I would like to see it intimated that they've had sex.
If not, for the bad acting, and the horrible script, this movie could've made it. However, it didn't make it with me.
Most of the acting in this movie is just bad. The only one who shows any promise is, the male MC. Sometimes an actor's ability to pull off what I would call quality acting is affected by the script itself, and this one is terrible. The dialogue is ridiculous and I don't even know how the actors can state their lines without laughing.
The formula here is the same old tired stuff that one can grow easily sick of. Just once I would like to see the guy whose behavior is so horrible towards his girlfriend, die a slow and agonizingly painful death. Yeah, that would work for me. Then she goes home to mommy and daddy to grieve where she meets the handsome town hunk.
One thing we didn't see here, unless I completely missed it, was the interrupted kiss. Yes, there's always a scene where they're moving in for that kiss and somebody walks in. How stupid. Just once I would like to see it intimated that they've had sex.
If not, for the bad acting, and the horrible script, this movie could've made it. However, it didn't make it with me.
Found the music exceptional. Story was a usual finding the Christmas Magic.
But loved the characters. Have seen twice and looking for the music.
- jroyals-04341
- Aug 15, 2024
- Permalink
I absolutely loved this movie. It was the best movie in 2018. Kelley Jakle has the voice of an angel. Absolutely loved Adam Mayfield too. I want to see a sequel. What's next for Harmony and Luke.
- wolfamy-59732
- Dec 22, 2018
- Permalink
I enjoyed this Christmas special and have watched it twice already, and mostly due to the fabulous music. The singing is spectacular and I would LOVE to download these songs. I was left thinking they weren't actually singing during filming but loved the songs so much it didn't matter!
- mdirvine2002
- Dec 13, 2018
- Permalink
A predictable Christmas show/love story but pleasantly entertained by the cast and storyline. LOVE the songs and currently searching for a soundtrack to download. Of all the Hallmark and Lifetime Xmas movies out this season, this is our favorite.
I always feel lifetime movies lag behind Hallmark bigtime in this genre however this movie was an exception. Right amount of Schmaltz and cutesty elements and a lovely collection of unique music and songs.
Very fun and watchable!
Very fun and watchable!
- soonasblog
- Dec 7, 2018
- Permalink
My recent Hallmark/Lifetime and similar Christmas film viewings have been a very mixed bag. With some surprisingly good hits, where regardless of how predictable they are succeed in being full of charm, warmth and heart so succeeding in being light-hearted and undemanding fun. But also some quite big misses, where the characters are not likeable, everything is forced and shallow with implausibility too in some of the worst cases, the acting and writing being weak and basically with just nothing to them.
'Christmas Harmony' is a strong example of the former and left me very surprised, as something who was in all honesty not expecting to like it that much as the concept on paper didn't wow me. As far as the Lifetime films go, which generally are very variable in quality and most are between lacklustre to just slightly above average, 'Christmas Harmony' definitely struck me as one of the best. Am judging it by the way on how it fares on its own terms instead of comparing it to anything or implying that it is on par, worse than or better than anything better known and better regarded.
There is no doubt, with it being the case with all Lifetime Christmas films and being a long way from being a novel premise, that the story is very predictable and quite safe throughout, so there are major plot points and developments that can be seen from a long way away. Including the overused trope of so many films' bias against big cities.
Writing has always never been a strong suit in Lifetime films, and their Christmas ones certainly. 'Christmas Harmony' is not excepted, it can lack subtlety and parts do make you cringe. The popstar boyfriend character is a jerk and not just for his cold treatment of Harmony, which does stick out like a sore thumb as he is the only non-likeable character in the whole film.
However, count me in as another person who loved the songs and soundtrack. Not just because they are easy to remember but because they had emotional impact, "Hearts Know It's Not Goodbye" especially was heartfelt. Didn't find any of them bland and the lyrics are not ones in my opinion worth mocking, found them quite meaningful. Adam Mayfield and especially Kelly Jackle are immensely appealing leads and their chemistry is adorable and very natural. Sally Struthers is a supporting cast standout and the younger actors weren't maudlin or annoying to me.
Production values are slick and never drab or garish, while the story is poignant and brought a lot of warmth to my heart. A fair share of amusing moments that never felt overdone and an equal amount of never too over-sentimental serious ones.
In summation, surprisingly good. 8/10
'Christmas Harmony' is a strong example of the former and left me very surprised, as something who was in all honesty not expecting to like it that much as the concept on paper didn't wow me. As far as the Lifetime films go, which generally are very variable in quality and most are between lacklustre to just slightly above average, 'Christmas Harmony' definitely struck me as one of the best. Am judging it by the way on how it fares on its own terms instead of comparing it to anything or implying that it is on par, worse than or better than anything better known and better regarded.
There is no doubt, with it being the case with all Lifetime Christmas films and being a long way from being a novel premise, that the story is very predictable and quite safe throughout, so there are major plot points and developments that can be seen from a long way away. Including the overused trope of so many films' bias against big cities.
Writing has always never been a strong suit in Lifetime films, and their Christmas ones certainly. 'Christmas Harmony' is not excepted, it can lack subtlety and parts do make you cringe. The popstar boyfriend character is a jerk and not just for his cold treatment of Harmony, which does stick out like a sore thumb as he is the only non-likeable character in the whole film.
However, count me in as another person who loved the songs and soundtrack. Not just because they are easy to remember but because they had emotional impact, "Hearts Know It's Not Goodbye" especially was heartfelt. Didn't find any of them bland and the lyrics are not ones in my opinion worth mocking, found them quite meaningful. Adam Mayfield and especially Kelly Jackle are immensely appealing leads and their chemistry is adorable and very natural. Sally Struthers is a supporting cast standout and the younger actors weren't maudlin or annoying to me.
Production values are slick and never drab or garish, while the story is poignant and brought a lot of warmth to my heart. A fair share of amusing moments that never felt overdone and an equal amount of never too over-sentimental serious ones.
In summation, surprisingly good. 8/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 27, 2019
- Permalink
The music is absolutely beautiful. The amazing singing and acting make this is a movie to watch over and over again!!!
- lucretia-80315
- Nov 8, 2019
- Permalink
I found this to be delightful! The music was wonderful, and lyrics beautiful! I too have this soundtrack on repeat. Definitely my favorite Christmas movie of 2018, and nothing has matched it so far in 2019.
My wife and I just watched this movie the other night and we really enjoyed it very much. We really enjoy watching Christmas movies together and this one has some really joyful music and singing, will watch again.
- darrenblockersr
- Nov 13, 2019
- Permalink
As far as the formula goes, nothing new here. I do like the leads, they have good chemistry. The songs are so good though. I'm not usually a fan of movies with any kind of singing but wow these songs (and singers) are so good that I've been listening to them on repeat (youtube, Amazon Prime) Cathedral Heart has definitely captured my heart :-)
- hbaptiste-75440
- Nov 7, 2019
- Permalink
I must admit I am a huge fan of Christmas movies that I watch alot at Christmas time for about Month.
I had watched this movie last Christmas but this time I had to say
I have watched it 4 times this yr. now this year and listened to the music on Amazon. These 2 singers blend their voices together so beautiful.
I'm talking about Kelly and Adam.
It would be a shame if they didn't do another movie together with their songs. How they touched my heart can't explain. It has also brought Adam Mayfield to my attention even more as a awesome actor. Yes I gave this movie a 10.
Please note I normally don't give reviews. Thank you
- elvina-71939
- Jan 5, 2020
- Permalink
I was expecting just another christmas love story, but this one was definitely special. It has a beautiful message about how often the circumstances makes us forget the truly meaning of life: to love and serve others, and being around our family and friends, who are precious gifts we sometimes neglect. Also, the soundtrack is BEAUTIFUL. The storyline and the cast, as well, are enchanting in many ways.
I usually like christmas movies, but I really love this one. It warms up my heart!
- Racingphan2
- Nov 4, 2020
- Permalink
Almost gave up on this because the pop star really was so horrible. Worth hanging on tho.
- SunnyDaise
- Dec 22, 2019
- Permalink
I really enjoyed the comedy of Sally Struthers character, she made me laugh out loud on a few of her lines. An enjoyable hallmark movie it still had the same ending but they all do and we all know they will. The selection of actors was very nice balanced, the location and how they incorporated the scenery is a nice added touch.
Would watch again for sure
What happened to Adam Mayfield? He ate all the pies that's what! I mean I'm not the lithe and svelt, six-packed guy that I'd like to be, but I didn't even recognise him.
The awful Devin character, who I'm sure was beating his girlfriend, the lead female, was vile and I'm glad he wasn't in it for long, although I can't say for sure that he didn't come back later, because I didn't finish this one! The third bad film in a row. I'm having a really bad day for it.
I usually like the ones where there's singing involved, but this was just meh!
Not finished, so I can't rate it!
The awful Devin character, who I'm sure was beating his girlfriend, the lead female, was vile and I'm glad he wasn't in it for long, although I can't say for sure that he didn't come back later, because I didn't finish this one! The third bad film in a row. I'm having a really bad day for it.
I usually like the ones where there's singing involved, but this was just meh!
Not finished, so I can't rate it!
- adamjohns-42575
- Nov 25, 2020
- Permalink